WHICH IS BETTER? TLM 102 or TLM 103??? 

Cheers and thanks for watching!

Getting it as well soon!

Thanks Nick!

Your thinking is correct, BUT... a number of videos compare both of these mics and the 103 has significantly better off-axis rejection. The 102 picks up a lot more sound from all directions, so despite its higher sensitivity, the 103 is probably still better for noise and poorly treated rooms.

I appreciate the kind words!!! I am slowly getting there

It's funny, I've always considered the 102 as having more hype in the high end, but it's not harsh, and I like it better.

Working on it...its more finding the mics...and trying to not drop all my money on them

@@DarkCornerStudios I understand! Thank for the replied! Keep up the nice work!

Awww...thanks. Grew it myself!

@@DarkCornerStudios lol

nt2a or 102? trying to make my decision

Personally I would choose the 103 every day...if finances weren't an issue

@@DarkCornerStudios nobody asked u bro

@@DarkCornerStudios finances are the issue :( i want the telefunken 47 but im contemplating saving up for another month or just going cheap but i cant find a good mic under $1000 that i like

@@pinhead2098 nt2a is a wonderful alternative

Yes, everyone keeps saying the 103 is brighter or more presence on comments all over RU-vid and I just don't get it, the 103 always sounds much warmer to me and 102 is the clarity mic.

Did you get shock mounts? What did that cost?

Cheers!

😂💯

With an exceptional microphone very little eq needs done.

Brooo, ever since i learnt how to mix vocals, I’m convinced a mid-range price mic is more than enough, besides, even with a ‘perfect mic’, you still need to eq according to the rest of the song anyways

@@bryanedako8897 exactly!!

I thought it would be the opposite. 103 less mixing, 102 more mixing, more acoustics. I have a 102 and plan to upgrade to the 103.

Cheers...consider using the links below if you want to support the channel. Glad I could help!!

On this video I was using the Arturia Minifuse 2

Focusrite scarlet 2i2

Exactly what I was looking for

102 sounded harsher and brighter on my alto voice

No unsubscribes for you!

NT1 offers much better high end without harsh sibilants compared to the TLM, no need to feel bad about it. It is actually NT1 that is a poor man's U87, at least when it comes to frequency response.

Cheers and thanks for watching!!

Moreover, the 102 will pick up so much background noise it's almost useless for professional vocal recording in most home studios. Let's face it. You will be better served by a Beta 87A or other electret condenser!

102 sounded like ass compared to 103 when I tried them both. Idk which voice would sound better on 102. Maybe if you’re a rapper.

Wait...im the shot out Gaffigan?!?!?! Thought he was the shot out Wolf... Well...back to the gym for me

Isovox sent it to me to do a video. Quite a nice unit

@@DarkCornerStudios Does it cut of external noises?

Same sound? Well not to disrespect you …but u need to train your ears much better! Because the Tlm 102 sounds nothing as U87 AI …but if u gonna tell me that the Tlm 103 sounds as U87 AI …than i would say …ok they are very close to 90%

@@flameoftheblackdragon7287 the tlm 103 sounds harsh. Nothing like the u87Ai

I would pass this question on to Dylan. I can get that in this Friday during the live stream. Micing something like a baby grand isnt something I would mess around with...Dylan is the pro

@@DarkCornerStudios great thanks. I'll be looking forward to whenever possible 😀

102 and 103 is a flavor choice...its hard to answer this question out of context....but ill say this if your recording in a treated room/ a room or space that actually sounds good and you want to get the nuance of the room with the piano or if you want to play on picking up the nuances of the hammer hitting etc the 103 will be better out right. If none of this sounds like something you are trying to do then the 102 will be the best option. 102 and 103 both have unbelievable clarity. If cost isnt an issue it comes down to how much clarity you want....and how much clarity is good for your situation. the 103 presence boost is unnecessary for certain applications and spaces, but if you like the sound you like the sound and nothing sounds like it.

@@magicizaproblem thanks Preston. The case (at the time) was that I have either both. A pair of NT2A and one of each of the other 2 (tlm 102 & tlm 103) and I didnt knew if to record the piano with a pair of non-same mices would have been more addecuated that recording the piano with a couple of microfonos, of say "lesser quality" but much matched as being the same model if you know what I mean. That was the question at the time. It's now sort of sorted. (Just sort as this creates other questions), I just gave myself a second 102 Neither I know I have done right to be honest, but well, it's done nevertheless 🤣

@@JesusPiano to be honest i think you can get away with using 2 different mics i wouldnt tie price into quality with nta 2 either....theres a price difference but it comes down to sound you like, desire and whats appropriate. Thats what makes microphones so tricky.

No processing...cant recall the gain

@@DarkCornerStudios Thank you!

Exactly. It's like comparing the specs of an iPhone Pro Max 13 vs the 14. These manufacturers are just tricking us to buy expensive shit we don't really need.

Cheers and thank for watching!!

well said, I must be nearly def. Cant hear it man. 102 sounds great on his voice.

Thank you for the comments. Makes me feel good to know!

@@DarkCornerStudios Awesome! Can you get your hands on a TLM 49 and let us have your thoughts on this "vocal" mic vs the TLM 103 for example? Cheers.

@@melodychest9020 I like how you think! You spend my money better than I do...bahahaha

@@DarkCornerStudios hahaha! C'mon bro, surely u can borrow one from SweeeeetWater!! Hehe! We r not priviledged! 😀

@@melodychest9020 I either buy...or wait for one to be sent to me for free... We shall see

Thanks man!

Oh he'll that's a mass8ve step up

Cheers and thanks for watching!!

Explain that..

​ @jKHAHN215PA I'll jump in to explain. I have owned a TLM 102 for a little while now, and I understand the character of the TLM 103 (and Neumann mics in general) well enough to elaborate. The Neumann TLM 102 is an insane value for the money. It is very rugged, and very versatile. I used to think it was more tailored towards vocal capture, but I've been really loving it on drums and acoustic guitar lately. It's currently beating out my $1,000 United Technologies FET47 for overheads and vocal work, but I still love the extended bottom end of the FET47 on kick and bass. This is an important point; the TLM 102 is not going to give you the "most" bass, or the "most" treble, but it will always be a workhorse on any source. If you are careful about making your source sound its best *in the room* , the TLM 102 will be a superior choice for an experienced recordist, ironically. It is more natural in that it sounds less "like a microphone" and more "like music". I love it to death. Often the concern with a budget version of an expensive mic is the frequency response. Budget mics tend to have an inarticulate low end, and an overhyped high end. The TLM 102 is the exception, having a robust bottom end and a natural top end. You won't find yourself EQ-ing the top end out of the TLM 102. The TLM 102 is very flat, and balanced. You could compare the sonics to the flatness of the TLM 193 or an old U87 with a lot of "years on the capsule", meaning it doesn't have a super extended frequency response due to dust and grime. It is flat, natural, and smooth. You can EQ it all day long if you want top end.. but if you don't want to be painted into a corner, the TLM 102 is far superior to the TLM 103 in my eyes. The TLM 103 is just too bright and hyped. I could see a hip hop vocal studio choosing the TLM 103 over the 102, but for a general studio that records lots of instruments, the TLM 102 is the winner to me. ALL of this praise taken into account, the TLM needs to start from a *solid* starting point. Good room, good source, and a good preamp & converter. If you know what you're doing, the noise floor isn't an issue... but if you're cranking up a Mackie mixer gain knob, it might sound like shit. I currently use the TLM 102 with BAE 1073 & Chandler REDD.47 preamps, which both cost double and quadruple the price of the TLM 102. So its not exactly a fair fight. *The noise floor issues that someone may have with their Scarlett 18i20 preamps DO NOT apply to boutique preamps* . Especially the Chandler preamp which is like a holy grail of sorts. you can't make it sound bad. In my head.. the TLM 102 is a lower budget version of an *older* U87. It's not bright, hyped, or flattering. The TLM 103 is a lower budget version of a *newer* U87. I may be crazy, but the only difference between an old U87 and a new one is dirt & spit from years of use. Take that with a grain of salt, since my ears are only 26 years old!

@@ashermyers6370 do you work for neumann because why would you be here with a mic you claim you already own

@@theprogrammerrolandmc3039 What? I'm confused, what are you trying to imply and why? Why would someone lie about buying an inexpensive mic? Why is it an issue that I already own the mic? What, would you prefer someone who has never used these mics to speak on their performance? You aren't making any sense. I do not work for Neumann, or any other manufacturer for that matter. Someone asked to clarify the differences between the TLM 102 and TLM 103, and they wanted to understand why it is unfair to compare the 102 and 103 as "similar", because they are completely different mics with very different characteristics. Characteristics are more important than frequency response. For example, two vintage U47s could be VERY different in their frequency responses, but the character will be the same. You can EQ one to match the other since they share the same character, the same nature of capture. Thats the real important thing. I think often times people incorrectly compare the 102 to the 103 by saying the "103 is a brighter 102", which is an oversimplification of an already broad comparison. They work better for different things, but ultimately I find the 102 to be more versatile. Hence why I prefer it, as someone who records many different instruments, instead of focusing on something individual like vocal production, where a more specialized vocal mic may be the best option. I owned one TLM 102 for about a year, then got a second one about six months ago. The serial numbers are like 7,000 and 9,000-ish... but they sound like sequential matched mics. I find this level of quality control & repeatability extremely impressive. It means I can rightfully assume every TLM 102 sounds exactly the same. That can't be said for the holy grail mics; every U47 and U87 sound slightly (or not-so-slightly) different. Anyways, no I don't work for Neumann I'm just an engineer and I love microphones.

@@ashermyers6370 Thank you for such a detailed response! I'd like to buy a condenser all-purpose (reggaeton, trap, hip-hop, ballads) -almost- microphone. (Recording acoustic guitar or miking up electric guitar amps would be great as well). I am a producer, not a signer. My 2 main options are the Neumann TLM102 or the Blue Baby Bottle SL. I know, both microphones have a substantial difference in price, however that is not a problem; would you recommend any of them for these particular uses? Thanks in advance!

Thumbs up for you. TLM-107 is best mic for all. But all can't afford it. I just have TLM-102; I never want TLM-03. I have latest Mixer; I don't need all the facilities available in TLM-107. I use the same facilities from my mixer.

@@farwestgarohills3831 tlm102 is awesome!

It's my favourite mic now

@@DarkCornerStudios Quite honestly I was watching the video hoping that you would validate my choice. The last thing that I wanted to hear is that I made a huge mistake spending $1,000 on it and should have spent the extra $600. Part of me really thought that I would regret the decision shortly after the order arrived. Long & Mac told me that it would likely take several months to order. They took my deposit and called me the next day and told me it was in. So happy with it in every way.

@@DarkCornerStudios since you have a deep voice like me. What do u think works better for your voice and why? Tlm 102 or tlm 103? Want to get mine on black friday

Thanks! Cheers and thanks for watching!!

@@DarkCornerStudios Definitely subbing. By the way, do you think the TLM 102 does a better job at defining the lower frequencies of your voice? I also have a low voice and not sure if the 103 or 102 would be better.

Perhaps...I just find it isn't as crispy at the top...

@@DarkCornerStudios Makes sense. Thanks for your input!

@@DarkCornerStudios please tell me I have a poorly prepared room, but I do not like the sharpness, harsh sound of midrange 102, or is it corrected by the equalizer, as 103 behaves in not ideal conditions? .

Once eq'd I kind of agree... That said without any treatment my sibilance can get a tad annoying

ur right, but thats cause the 102 is just better lol

Cheers! Thanks for watching!

is that just cuz u own one tho or are you fr lmaoo

@@loveinparis333 i own the 103 and heard the 102 compared to it… trust if the 102 sounded better i would’ve been happy saving money

I was just thinking that...I like the sound, but that high end boost is holding me back

Broo congratulations that’s a steal, my only concern is the validity of the microphone, some people have been known to sell high quality replicas of the 102 and I’m wondering if the same thing might have happened with the 103 model, If all is in the clear then my friend you have SCORED..

Only a fool would sell a 103 that low. It's either "hot" or fake IMO.